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Welcome to Ellie Finch's January Newsletter |
This January newsletter shares updates from PlayMode Academy, including upcoming trainings, a free CPD webinar on Exploring Grief in Minecraft, conference dates, and opportunities to get involved in research and become a PlayMode Academy trainer. |
New Level 2 live, online training dates added by popular demand
The upcoming January/February Level 2 training cohort is now fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact me.
By popular demand, an additional Level 2 training has been added in April, with a few spaces remaining. All scheduled Level 2 training dates can be found here. If you are part of a small team or organisation, you are also welcome to email me to book a free 20-minute, no-obligation chat to discuss your team’s training needs and arrange a training date that suits your team. The Level 2 training is for practitioners who have completed (or are close to completing) the self-paced Level 1 training and want to deepen their practice, build confidence, and connect with others using Minecraft therapeutically. You can find out more about PlayMode Academy’s Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training programme by watching this short video: |
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Free CPD webinar: Exploring Grief in Minecraft Cliona Snow from KEMP Hospice and Jenni Luke from Primrose Hospice will be joining me to deliver a free live webinar 'Exploring Grief in Minecraft', sharing their experiences of using Minecraft with pre-bereaved and bereaved children and young people.
Date: Tuesday 3 Feb 2026, 10.30am-12pm GMT The webinar will be recorded, and the recording will be shared with everyone who registers. Over 100 practitioners have registered so far! Register for your free place here. Shared learning Last month I took part in a live conversation hosted by MindSite alongside Braulio Rivera, therapist at WellPower. You can watch the recording here. Conferences and events BACP Children, Young People and Families ConferenceIn March I’ll be presenting at the BACP Children, Young People and Families Conference in London. PlayMode Academy will also have a stand where you can explore the Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World. The conference theme is ‘Likes, lives & layers: unpacking the digital impact on young minds’. University of Exeter
Following a sold-out training in November, an additional University of Exeter date has been added in March. This is a full-day training delivered by myself focused on exploring the integration of creative digital tools and video games in therapeutic practice. BETT LondonI’ll also be attending EdTech event BETT next week. If you’re going to be there and would like to connect, feel free to get in touch. A research request Are you running Minecraft-based therapeutic groups? Please see below a research request from Miki, an MA Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy student: ‘I am a postgraduate student completing a Master's Degree in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at the Children's Therapy Centre (Homepage - Children's Therapy Centre), and a qualified play therapist based in Ireland. This research forms part of my master's thesis and explores the use of therapeutic Minecraft groups co-facilitated by play therapists, speech and language therapists, and other allied health care professionals. The study aims to examine how Minecraft-based therapeutic groups may support children's social communication, emotional regulation, and peer relationships, as well as to explore best practice approaches to integrating play therapy and speech and language therapy with a shared group intervention model. Practitioners interested in taking part can contact me at: playconnection.galway@gmail.com' Growing the PlayMode Academy trainer community PlayMode Academy is growing, and the next step is to bring more trainers into the work. Further details will follow later in the year. If you would like to be the first to hear more, please complete this short expression of interest form. Scroll down to learn more about the Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool training programme and to discover our free resources. |
Thanks for reading. I always appreciate hearing how others are using Minecraft and digital tools in their practice – feel free to get in touch. |
Warm wishes,
Ellie
Ellie Finch (she/her)
MA, MBACP (Accred.)
Founder and Director of PlayMode Academy |
Over the past two months I’ve shared service spotlights featuring Primrose Hospice and KEMP Hospice, highlighting how their teams are using Minecraft in therapeutic work with children and young people. With Cliona Snow (KEMP Hospice) and Jenni Luke (Primrose Hospice) presenting at the upcoming 'Exploring Grief in Minecraft' webinar, you can also read more about their work on the impact case studies page on the PlayMode Academy website. |
Find out more about the Level 2 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool... |
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Bookings are open for the Level 2 live, online training in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool
The Level 2 training is for practitioners who have completed (or are close to completing) the self-paced Level 1 and want to deepen their practice, build confidence, and connect with others using Minecraft therapeutically.
Training is delivered live in small groups of 6–8 practitioners and includes ethical reflection and guided exploration of advanced techniques.
Each training includes either one full day or two half-day sessions, and you must attend all listed dates for your chosen cohort.
To support students across time zones, sessions are offered at a variety of start times – including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends – making it accessible wherever you are in the world.
Who is it for? The training programme in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool is designed for helping professionals – including those working in mental health, health and social care, education, youth services, and family support roles.
Whether you're a counsellor, therapist, social worker, support worker, or pastoral lead, the training offers practical ways to integrate Minecraft into your service.
What to expect on Level 2:
Interactive Learning – Hands-on training with a small group of practitioners.
Expert Guidance – Personalised support to boost your skills & confidence.
Fun & Engaging – A unique and immersive learning experience in Minecraft!
What others are saying about Level 2: ⭐ “The most enjoyable CPD I have done to date.”
⭐ “This is my favourite counselling course I’ve ever done.”
⭐ “I can't wait to start using this as a tool within my practice!”
Level 1 must be completed before starting Level 2. Early Bird pricing is available up to two weeks before each training begins. Bookings close one week before the first session.
• Thursday 29 January and Thursday 5 February 2026, 12:00–15:30 GMT - FULLY BOOKED • Tuesday 21 April and Tuesday 28th April 2026, 09:30-13:00 GMT - LAST FEW SPACES. Enrol here. • Thursday 9 and Friday 10 July 2026, 13:30–17:00 BST - Enrol here.
Interested but can’t make the current dates?
Get in touch to discuss bespoke training for your team. If you’re a group of three or more colleagues, we can explore setting a date that works for you. |
Free Guide to Accessing Minecraft Education |
This free guide explains how to access Minecraft Education beyond school settings, including for clubs, families and home education. As a therapist, I value Minecraft Education's strong security features and the library of pre-made worlds – including a range of social-emotional worlds. |
Activity ideas on YouTube Channel |
I also share short videos on my YouTube channel, including ideas for simple therapeutic activities you can adapted in Minecraft – such as this one on the Anger Iceberg. |
Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World |
Dan Noble and I have created a free Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World designed to support symbolic and therapeutic exploration.
The Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World is free to access by registering here.
If you missed the guided tour launch event you can access the recording and resourc es here. |
University of Cambridge films on using Minecraft in counselling |
As part of the AHRC-funded Bridging the ChASM project at the University of Cambridge, Monique Beckett and I created two short films showing examples of counselling sessions using Minecraft.
You can watch the films and find out more about the project here. |
Free Minecraft themed worksheet |
As a thank-you to email subscribers, I’ve created a ‘Fear Responses in Minecraft Mobs’ worksheet and a ‘Button Activity and Starter Sandtray’ PowerPoint.
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If any of these free resources have supported your practice, you can now 'Buy Me a Coffee': |
Media and research highlights |
It’s been encouraging to see growing research interest and media attention around the therapeutic use of Minecraft. A few recent highlights are below. In the media
The Guardian featured my work in two pieces by Keith Stuart, exploring how video games – including Minecraft – are being used therapeutically with children and in relationship-based work.
MindSite News published an article by Diana Hembree exploring the use of Minecraft in child and teen therapy.
Research and publications
Research films
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Find out more about the training program 'Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool' |
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Level 1 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool |
Level 1 is the first stage of your journey; an online, self-paced course that provides you with the tools you need to get started using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool. |
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Level 2 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool |
Are you ready to elevate your expertise in using Minecraft in your practice? If you’ve completed or are nearing the end of the Level 1 self-study course, it's time to take the next step in your professional journey. This training is delivered live, online. In-person training is available to groups upon request. |
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Bespoke training for your team or organisation |
The photo to the left is of the KEMP Hospice team in action on their 'Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool: Level 2' bespoke training day. If you would like some bespoke training for your team or organisation please get in touch for a chat. |
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Watch this short video about the training program
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Further Trainings, Services, and Resources |
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Clinical supervision for individuals and groups. Get in touch for a free 20 minute chat to see if I would be a good fit for your supervision needs. |
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One-to-one and small group support on leveraging creative digital tools therapeutically
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Playing Together: Connecting with your child through Minecraft |
Learn how to use Minecraft to connect, communicate and play with your child – no experience required. Get practical, ready-to-use ideas for connecting through Minecraft - even if you’ve never picked up a controller. Created by Rachel Conlisk and Ellie Finch who have supported many families to connect through play. |
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Using Digital Sandtrays in Online and In-Person Therapy |
This self-paced online training is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of digital sandtrays and their application in both online and in-person therapeutic settings. |
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Try out our Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World |
Dan Noble and I have created a free Sandtray Therapy Minecraft World designed to support symbolic and therapeutic exploration. |
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Free guide to accessing Minecraft Education: For parents, therapists, individuals and homeschoolers |
Learn how to purchase and set-up Minecraft Education licenses for your family or clients. |
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Want to see videogame therapy in action? |
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Ellie's Therapeutic Adventures in Minecraft! |
Find out more about why I love using Minecraft as a therapeutic tool.
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Example sessions with children, a young person and a family
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Watch this film made with my colleagues at the University of Cambridge.
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Thanks for reading. I always appreciate hearing how others are using Minecraft and digital tools in their practice – feel free to get in touch. |
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Warm wishes,
Ellie
Ellie Finch (she/her)
MA, MBACP (Accred.)
Founder and Director of PlayMode Academy |
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“I highly recommend Ellie Finch as a consultant in Minecraft for Therapists. She has expert knowledge of working with clients in Minecraft and shares her experiences in a really engaging way with enthusiasm and also patience for those of us that are not as used to working and playing in Minecraft. She has a clear way of explaining the necessary steps to ensure a secure setting for working in this software and does so with a warm and enthusiastic touch. I am now happily trying out Minecraft as I can really see how this can be vital resource for working with clients in all age groups, but especially young people. An innovative training for a cutting edge way of working therapeutically.”
Dr Rachael Klug, PHD, MBACP, Director ACTO with responsibility for Children and Young People |
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"Ellie has been a joy to work with. Her friendly, warm and professional approach to training and supporting the team in learning to use Minecraft has been brilliant. Ellie is knowledgeable and thorough and her skill and enthusiasm for working in new ways with children and young people has been inspiring for the team. The quality of her online and face to face training is excellent and the team have gained new skills, increased confidence and are using their learning to work in new and innovative ways with children and young people who have been bereaved or who are facing the death of a significant person in their lives. Wide ranging, Ellie covered everything from the technical skills, equipment and software, through to the therapeutic work and the ethical considerations and boundaries of online work. I wholeheartedly recommend Ellie as a trainer and would not hesitate to work with her again."
Lisa Anthony, Former Family Support and Bereavement Services Manager, KEMP Hospice |
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